Looking for a quick and easy way to spice up dinner? From tacos to tamales, these 17 simple Mexican recipes are perfect for when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving something savory or sweet, you’ll find options that are fast, flavorful, and sure to satisfy.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Tender beef cooked in a crockpot is served in crispy masa cups for a simple yet impressive meal. This dish brings the flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy nights. Whether for a quick dinner or to impress guests, it’s a great choice for a delicious and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Roasted tomatillo salsa blends smoky, tangy flavors with the freshness of tomatoes, offering a bold addition to any meal. The roasting process intensifies the flavors, giving it a deep, rich taste that can enhance a variety of dishes. It’s an easy way to add excitement to your meals, whether used as a dip or a topping.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Carnitas
Carnitas are tender and full of flavor, making them perfect for tacos, burritos, or even enjoying on their own. This recipe is simple to make, requiring little effort for a satisfying Mexican meal. It’s a versatile option, easy enough for a weeknight and delicious enough for a casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Tamale Pot Pies
Tamale pot pies combine the comfort of a pot pie with the rich flavors of tamales, offering a unique and hearty dish. It’s an easy way to enjoy the flavors of tamales without the time-consuming prep work. The result is a satisfying meal that brings something new to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup is a rich and flavorful classic that’s simple to make and full of comforting taste. This soup is perfect for a quick meal, offering a satisfying combination of spices, chicken, and crispy tortilla strips. It’s a go-to option for a filling Mexican meal with little hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chunky Guacamole
Chunky guacamole mixes ripe avocados with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a bold and refreshing flavor. It’s a simple yet flavorful addition to any Mexican meal, whether as a dip or a topping. This guacamole adds a fresh, satisfying taste to your dishes with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole
Chicken Tamales
Homemade chicken tamales bring an authentic Mexican flavor that’s well worth the time spent preparing them. The tender chicken filling and rich masa dough combine to create a truly satisfying meal. While they take some effort, the end result is a delicious dish that makes the preparation time worthwhile.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamales
Honey Habanero Tacos
Honey habanero tacos offer a unique combination of sweet honey and spicy habanero, creating a bold and exciting flavor. This easy-to-make dish adds a bit of heat and sweetness to your tacos, setting them apart from the ordinary. It’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful Mexican meal with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Semi-homemade chicken empanadas use puff pastry for a quick and easy preparation without sacrificing flavor. The savory chicken filling wrapped in a flaky crust creates a satisfying meal or snack that feels homemade. These empanadas are an excellent choice for when you want a delicious Mexican dish in no time.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Dessert Nachos
Dessert nachos offer a fun and creative twist on the traditional savory dish by topping crispy tortilla chips with sweet treats. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing, satisfying your sweet tooth in a unique way. This playful take on nachos is a delicious and fun option for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Dessert Nachos
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Mexican sheetcake brownies combine rich chocolate with a hint of spice, giving them a unique and exciting flavor. These brownies bring a fresh twist to a classic dessert, making them a great choice for anyone looking for something different. The result is a sweet, flavorful treat that’s both satisfying and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Mexican skillet quinoa is a quick, one-pan dish packed with black beans, corn, and spices for a flavorful meal. It’s a healthy, protein-rich option that’s easy to make and perfect for anyone looking for a simple, nutritious Mexican dish. This recipe brings great flavor with little effort, making it a great addition to your regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Puff pastry beef empanadas feature a tender beef filling wrapped in a flaky, golden crust, making them a satisfying and easy meal. The quick prep time and delicious flavor make these empanadas perfect for lunch or a light dinner. These empanadas are a great way to enjoy a savory Mexican dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Ground beef skillet tamales offer a modern twist on the traditional tamale with a savory beef filling and crispy tortilla strips. This one-pan recipe is easy to prepare and brings the flavors of tamales to your dinner table with minimal hassle. It’s a great option for busy nights when you want a quick and delicious Mexican meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Refried Beans
Refried beans are creamy, flavorful, and versatile, making them a perfect side for any Mexican dish. This simple recipe adds richness to tacos, burritos, or even just as a side dish. It’s an easy way to bring an authentic Mexican flavor to your meal with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans
Spanish Rice
Spanish rice is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with any Mexican meal. This quick and simple recipe brings a tasty addition to your dinner with just a few ingredients. It’s an easy way to add a bit of flavor and color to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice
Homemade Nacho Cheese
Homemade nacho cheese is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for adding a homemade touch to any meal. Whether poured over chips or used as a topping, it’s an easy way to take your nacho game to the next level. This cheese sauce makes every meal or snack more enjoyable and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Nacho Cheese